Review of The Spanish Prisoner (1997) by Katie H — 05 Feb 2010

This film delivers a brilliant homage to the styles of 1940's suspense dramas - from the dialogue to its labyrinthine plot twists. Nearly every line is delivered with paced, steady care, and while some critics may mistake such as poor acting, the reality is the amount of skill required to effectively imitate these stone-cold mannerisms is quite impressive.

And speaking of stone cold, the film wouldn't be the same without the impeccable performance of Steve Martin as conman Jimmy Dell. Much like when Christopher Walken hangs up the funny pants for a serious roll, you would never guess Martin to be a comedian if this was your first time seeing him on screen.

Director David Mamet has a great deal of fun at your expense with twists and turns at every corner, while generally staying fresh with plot mechanics. It's almost like one of those radio murder mysteries, but with images.

And Steve Martin. In addition to a satisfying cast and engaging plot, the musical score by Carter Burwell is beautiful and nerve-wracking simultaneously. Rarely does the soundtrack reach a grand forte, but rather stays subdued and lyrical, all the while remaining eerie and haunting.

As with all music, it's difficult to describe in words - you'll have to hear it for yourself to truly appreciate it. So in general The Spanish Prisoner is a film worth your while - with the exception of one or two minor, slightly hokey lines or plot devices (which who knows, might even be a further extension of the film's homage to an earlier time - god knows even Bogart himself wasn't completely sinless in the cheesy lines department), the film stays fresh and exciting, with a lovely cast to put the cherry on the parfait.